Introduction
My interest in learning C# (pronounced "C Sharp") for video game creation was initially
met with a lack of specific educational resources; most available courses focused on informational technology
and database management. Yet, C# remains a cornerstone for using Unity, a leading platform in both professional
and independent video game development. This gap in educational resources led me to consider the potential of AI
in this field.
C# is a modern programming language developed by Microsoft. It's
part of the .NET framework and is widely used for creating various types of software applications, including
Windows applications, websites, and videogames.
The central question of my research is: Can AI enhance and simplify the creation of
educational tools? My experience suggests that AI is particularly adept at crafting diverse
analogies for explaining complex concepts and handling programming languages like C#. These capabilities
could potentially accelerate the development of educational tools, making them more accessible to
individuals with limited programming backgrounds, like myself.
Ethical Questions
Despite the potential benefits, some critiques argue that an over-reliance on AI might
diminish critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering a dependency that could impair independent
learning. However, my personal experience contradicts this view; using AI has enhanced my problem-solving
abilities and encouraged me to explore novel solutions and iterate on ideas.
Furthermore, the use of AI in creating educational content raises significant
questions regarding the
ownership of intellectual property. While AI can assist in generating code snippets or game design
elements, this issue is not unique to AI. The practice of utilizing and modifying existing online
resources, such as those found on Codepen.io or GitHub, has long been a staple in the tech
community.
It is also vital to acknowledge the limitations of AI, including the potential
for inaccuracies.
Ensuring the reliability of AI-generated content is crucial, as it is with any educational resource.
This involves rigorous verification of information, which is a best practice in any scholarly or
creative endeavor. This essay will further explore these themes, examining the implications of AI in
educational settings, particularly in the realm of video game development, and addressing ethical
considerations alongside practical applications.
Building a Game
The main problem I had was my own rustiness with Unity, it had been almost a year
since I had last used it and there had been a few updates since then. However I found I could simply ask
Chat for the steps to do any functionality I needed to help with. We started by discussing the Unity
game I wanted to make, which allows players to learn programming by assembling spells using code
snippets. We implemented and adjusted various gameplay elements such as changing spell elements and
strengths using buttons and sliders. These buttons and sliders were meant to symbolize the different
types of variables, such as checkbox for booleans and slider for floats.
Using ChatGPT to code is very helpful but can be frustrating, there are some
times where you need to think of different ways to describe what you want. For instance when you want
elements stacked on top of eachother you need to be explicit in what way they are stacked, so stacked
vertically on the screen or stacked depth wise with each overlapping eachother. We went through and
traded code and bugfixed together until we had something that resembled my vision. This working
prototype demo allows users to select different values for variables and lets them see the code change
as they do it.
ChatGPT can be very intelligent in its ideas for certain functionalities but
sometimes it forgets what it has already given you and will need to be reminded of code periodically.
However, at any time that you don't understand something either that Chat has said or a topic that is
beyond your current understanding, Chat is ready willing and able to explain in many ways to help you.
This is the reason I chose to create this project, AI can reach out to so many sources of knowledge at
once that it has the ability to explain and teach anyone that is willing to learn from it. The primary
hurdle I anticipate with AI as a teaching tool is two-fold, people opposed to AI and are unwilling to
listen, and conversely those who follow and believe AI blindly, as I've said before there is room for
criticism in working with AI.
Reflections
Despite the criticisms concerning potential dependency on AI and the risks to
critical thinking, my firsthand experiences highlight that AI can indeed complement traditional learning
methods by offering new ways to engage with material and solve problems. These interactions have not
replaced my problem-solving skills but rather have enriched them, enabling me to approach issues with a
refreshed perspective and a broader set of tools.
In conclusion, the integration of AI into the learning process for video game
programming in C# has not only filled a crucial gap in educational resources but has also proven to be a
transformative tool in simplifying and enhancing the creation of innovative educational tools. This
journey began with a personal challenge—a lack of tailored learning materials for using C# in Unity.
However, AI's capacity to generate relevant analogies and manage complex programming tasks has made it
an invaluable ally in navigating this terrain.
As we move forward, it is clear that AI will continue to play a pivotal role in
educational landscapes, particularly in fields that benefit from dynamic and interactive learning tools
like video game development. This exploration has not only reinforced the utility of AI in education but
has also opened the door to further innovative approaches that could redefine how subjects are taught
and learned in digital environments. The balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and maintaining
essential human oversight will be crucial as we continue to harness these technologies for educational
advancement.
